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“I do hope to see you there Proxy.” Hugo said, the flirty tone that Wise had learned to be characteristic of the tall blond man evident in his voice.
“Thanks Hugo, I’ll see you there.” He responded, turning over the thick cardstock in his hand.
“Don’t forget a plus one.” he waved, leaving the small store, the bell chime signalling his departure.
“Yeah…”
Wise stood at the counter of Random Play, early morning rays settling through the crowded windows. Hugo approached him with an offer, a party of sorts, or more like a get together of some of the elites. He mentioned some members of TOPS being there, a few political figures, business owners etc. His reasoning for roping Wise into the whole tiring ordeal? They needed info from the Host’s Bangboo, and his laptop. A huge labor scandal that the host was a key part of.
He shook his head, bringing a hand to pull at his face, yeah he had some computer knowledge here, a good idea on the inner workings of a bangboo there, but these people were over here acting like he was a professional hacker?! And on top of that he had to rope in another person too. Great.
Wise asked if he could just go with Hugo, but the man was already dragging Lyacon into it, seeming because of the connections the wolf therian had gained. And then he was complaining about just how hard it was to get a second ticket on such short notice, because oh yeah it was in a week.
He groaned as he pulled out his phone, scanning KnockKnock for anyone willing to be dragged into this that would be bearable to deal with all night. Sure he could take Belle, but it was better if only one of them went in case of the worst case scenario, and Hugo had advised someone who might be able to protect him if anything broke out, as unlikely as it was. His mind blanked for a moment before his finger lingered over a family contact.
Wise: Are you free this Saturday?
Lighter: For you? always, what's up?
The Sons of Calyadon were a reliable bunch, and good friends. But Lighter was a different case, while Wise remained professional and friendly with the girls, he felt as if Lighter was a cooling balm in their group, level headed and calm, a good match for the energy the girls radiated. But more than that, he trusted Lighter. The biker also trusted him, telling him secrets about his past he had no obligation to do. His relationship with Lighter was easy, the biker eager to watch a movie with him, happy to join him shopping in Lumina Square, just glad to be in his presence. It was calm, it was easy, and it made his gut swirl in such a pleasant way. Wise knew it was a crush, something small, something hidden. Lighter was kind, sweet, attentive, and not to mention a total smokeshow.
He tried not to think about it as he rang the number, knowing it was much easier for the biker to talk over the phone, Lighter once admitted that texting was a bit frustrating, his fingers were too large and he often misspelled things on accident.
The call rang once before the click of the line connecting sounded, “Lighter?”
“What's up Manger?’ The voice was like gravel in his ears.
“So this is going to sound crazy. But there's this ‘party’ that a friend of mine invited me to, and I need a date, so I was wondering if you’d be interested?” He explained, sounding exasperated the whole time.
“Uh, well I anit opposed I guess.” He answered, sounding confused. Wise could practically see the slackjawed expression, glasses drooping over his nose.
“It gets worse.” He warned.
“Hmm. Shoot.”
“So it's like a fancy thing. He said there would be some people from TOPS and some political officials and the like.” He walked to the staff room, letting Eighteen take care of the new customer.
“Yikes, you sure I’m the best bet then? I don't even own a suit.” There was a twinge of nervousness.
Wise laughed a little at the comment, “I know someone that can get you one by then, I’ll talk to Big Daddy to get your measurements. He keeps track of your guys' medical check ups right?”
“Yeah, he would have those.” Lighter mused, “But ya sure?”
“I trust you, besides it's actually a commission on my part. Also, you look intimidating so I doubt anyone will mess with you.” Wise was quick to settle the nervousness still in the biker’s tone.
“Oh that makes sense.”
“What do you mean?’ Wise was confused for a moment.
“You don't seem the type to like those kinds of events. I doubt you would go if there wasn't anything in it for ya.” Lighter reasoned.
Wise laughed again, “You make it sound like I'm a selfish person Lighter, but you’re right, I’m dreading it.” he confessed.
“Do you own a suit?” Lighter asked after a moment of silence.
He hummed as he thought it over, “I do, it's tucked away in my closet somewhere, but it’ll work. Anything specific for yours?”
“I don't got much, maybe just match yers.” he said after thinking it over.
“Of course.” Wise said, “Well I’ll call you Thursday or Friday about the suit, if you could come over early Saturday to make sure it fits, that would be great. Aside from that I’ll send you the rest of the details about the party later.”
“Sounds great, talk to ya soon.” Lighter said, hanging up the phone.
Wise let out a drawn out sigh, before scrolling through his contacts for the Hog Therrien and shooting him a quick message and some context before trying to find a place to get a half decent suit on such short notice.
He climbed the steps to his own room, looking through his things for his own suit. It was older, a little dusty from its time spent in storage. He would need to get it dry cleaned, but it was at least nice. He found it on sale and splurged a little, knowing that he would need it eventually. Its been worn a couple times, when he wanted to get the paper work done for Random Plays ownership, and that time he needed to be dressed up for a separate commission, much earlier on in their careers.
Still, he made the proper arrangements, and when Friday rolled around, he picked up the extra suit. Belle knew about everything going on, and teased him endlessly about this ‘date’. Every time he brushed it off, but not without his face warming.
“Look at you, so excited for your date with Lighter.” Belle teased when he got back from picking up his suit from the dry cleaners and the new suit for Lighter.
“You know it’s not like that.” He argued, setting the clothes down.
“Bet you wish it was.” She said, and ran off.
“Yeah, yeah.” He pulled out his phone, a smile on his face as he found the familiar contact.
Wise: Suit’s ready, thank you for agreeing to do this with me.
Lighter: Cool, no prob, I’m here whenever ya need me.
Wise: :)
When Saturday came around, it went like any other, besides the shop being closed, the building nervousness in his gut, and oh yeah, Lighter standing in his room standing awkwardly in a new suit. Totally normal.
Thankfully the suit had fit perfectly, wrapping him up in some faux elegance. Once he regained his casual confidence, Wise was sure his heart would be in for a tough night.
“Thanks again Lighter, you look nice, so stop fidgeting.” He said, joking with Lighter near the end.
“Ya think so manager?”
He simply nodded with a smile, “Very dashing.”
And it was true, the suit was a deep red, his bright scarf tucked loosely in place of a tie, and a pocket square to match the bright red. He had on black leather shoes, and all together looked very much like some famous badass actor ready to walk on set for an action movie.
“Yer also lookin nice.” Lighter seemed nervous to say, as he looked Wise up and down. He wore a heather grey suit, and a matching tie and pocket square both the same deep red of Lighter’s suit. They both decided on a slicked back look for hair, not wanting to bother with it too much.
Wise smiled at the compliment as his phone dinged. He pulled it out of his pocket, checking to see the new message.
Hugo Vlad: I’ve sent a car to pick you and you’re plus one up. It should be there in twenty minutes. Hope all goes well, see you in the coming hour.
Wise: Thank you. See you soon.
He let out a sigh, turning to the biker, “We’ve got twenty minutes. There's a car coming to pick us up.”
Lighter simply nodded, fidgeting with the ends of his sleeves. He still had his sunglasses, Wise assuring him that he would still fit in with them on, but he didn't keep the gloves. The familiar leather gone from his outfit as he stood.
Just like clockwork, twenty minutes later there was a knock on the shop's door, Wise hurried down stairs, opening the door. “Be right out, Thank you.”
The chauffeur nodded, standing beside the sleek back car. Lighter came down the stairs behind him, the leather shoes not as loud as his normal clunkier boots. Wise would be lying if he said he didn’t miss the noise. They exchanged glances, a laugh breaking out between them. “After you kind Gentleman” Lighter said, holding open the door.
“Why thank you kind sir.” Wise said, walking to the car, the driver opening the door and closing it before doing the same on Lighter’s side. The car ride was filled with a quiet tension, stolen glances, and minimal talk.
…
When they arrived at the party, they were both gauking, this house, mansion, castle? It was huge. There was soft instrumental from inside, chattering all throughout.
The driveway was a glorified drop off center, but only showing the most luxurious cars. Lighter and Wise looked at each other, both nervous at the insane amount of wealth all gathered at one spot.
Wise had been around similar settings before, but this just felt crazy. Eventually, they were parked, the driver moving to open their doors. With a casual ease, Lighter walked beside him, allowing his arm to slot with the others and he settled a hand in the bicep.
When they walked in, it was amplified, the picture of high society painted across the marble floors and high ceilings, everything trimmed in gold and white.
Hugo found them first, walked over as he slid easily through the crowd, “Manager, there you are.” He said, eyes glancing at Lighter, who glared back.
Hugo walked around them, eyes scanning Lighter who was watching with a bubbling anger. “And who might this be?” Hugo asked, tone teasing.
“Hugo, this is Lighter. Lighter, this is Hugo, the guy that dragged me into this.” He introduced the two, trying to joke around.
Hugo and Lighter were both taller than himself, and it looked like they stood eye level. Hugo circled again, taking the biker, “Outer Ring?”
“You got a problem?” Lighter asked, Hugo throwing his hands up in defense with a grin.
“Hugo.” A voice from behind them sounded, Wise turned to see the wolf therian approach, "That's quite enough.”
“Good to see you Lyacon.” Wise said, turning to him. “You remember Lighter right?” Wise was sure they'd met at some point, somewhere along the bringer incident.
“Ah, yes. Good to see you.” He nodded towards Lighter before taking his place beside Hugo.
“You too.” Lighter nodded back, ignoring the teasing look Hugo had on his face.
“So as you both know I hope, we are here on a mission. The manager here is unfortunately doing all the dirty work, and we,” he gestured to the three other men, “are here to make sure everything runs smoothly.” His voice was lower now. More careful as his eyes scanned the snatch around them. “However, we aren’t ready to make a move yet, it’s too early in the night, so everyone relax and have fun.”
Lighter traded glances with Wise, both wanting to be out of here as soon as possible. Still the proxy sighed, “You as well.” With that, the pair walked to the drink table, picking up cutes of champagne.
Lighter downed his, a weird expression on his face. “Was it good? The champagne?” Wise asked, taking a small sip from his own glass.
“It’s ok, pretty different from Nitro Fuel.” Lighter looked around, eyes tracking back to Hugo and Lyacon, “What’s up with those two?”
Wise smiled, urging Lighter to lean down so he could whisper in his ear, he didn’t want the wolf therian to hear him after all, “They’ve got some crazy past, but recently reconnected, I think they're together, but trying to keep it under the radar.” Wise continued, “Everyone else is also thinking so. It's pretty obvious.” He hid a smile behind his hand, happy to gossip with the other man.
“Yeah, thought so.” Lighter returned the smile. They both gravitated to the edge of the crowd, keeping Hugo and Lyacon in their vision, waiting for any cues. “They seem to know some people here.”
“Yeah, they both work with these kinds of people often, so it's a given." Wise shrugged. “How are you feeling?”
“Doin’ alright.” Lighter turned to him, “A new experience ‘s all.” He tried to sound convincing, but there was a tension in his shoulders, one that's been present since they entered the car, but it was slowly dissipating. Lighter had calmed down, his normal confidence starting to return. Wise was right, Lighter looked all the part of a famous actor. He stole another glance and took a sip from the glass in his hand, ignoring the butterflies in his stomach.
As they were chatting, they missed some glances and giggling thrown their way. After a moment, a small group of young girls approached them.
They initially walked up to Lighter, clamoring and giggling with flushed faces, Wise figured they were some children of a political figure.
“Umm, Can I dance with you?” One of the girls asked, probably their leader.
Lighter was a bit shocked, eyes wide behind his sunglasses. “Well I’ll have to decline.” He said simply. Wise hid a laugh at his side, the whole thing entertaining.
“Why not?” The girl asked, suddenly less nervous, and now angered by the denial. Wise look at her, she was quite pretty, long black hair and pale skin, large doe eyes that were narrowed, a key sign of her displeasure.
“Not a dancer.” He said simply, the glass in his hand held tight.
“Can I get your number?” She questioned, doubling down.
“Look young lady, I’m sure yer very kind, but I’m not interested.” Lighter wounded firm, still kind, but unbudging.
“What do you mean?!” She raised her voice a little, not enough to get anyone's attention, but she could if she continued.
“Ma’am, As you can see, I’m with the gentleman here. It's rude to leave yer partner in places that are unknown.” He said, a warm hand settling on the small of Wise's back, forcing him to straighten up. “Right Darlin’?” The girls looked at him, as if they hadn't even noticed he was there, which wouldn’t be surprising, since Lighter’s frame was effectively hiding him. Wise simply played along, smiling up at him with a hum.
The girls’ eyes widened, a giddy look on their faces, “So sorry, please enjoy the rest of your night.” They curtsied and went on their way, giggling and blushing once again.
Once they were a good distance away, Lighter removed his hand, “Sorry about that Manager.”
“It's ok. “ Wise found that he missed the warmth. It wasn't surprising that they would approach the taller man. He was handsome, and the muscular figure he posed was hard to hide despite the thick fabric of the suit. With suntanned skin and an accent that made his knees weak, Wise had no room to judge.
“Dont mean to put ya on the spot.” He explained, a shy grin on his lips.
“It’s perfectly fine Lighter.” He reassured. Wise scanned the room again, finding the other duo, and taking a sip of his drink, finding it empty. He glanced at the biker, his drink almost empty as well. “I’m going to get some water, would you like some?”
“Sure yeah, thanks.” Lighter handed him the now empty glass. One of the servers found him and offered to take them, to which he gladly obliged. We head to the drink table, finding some cold water placed out for guests that didn't want to drink the night away. He reached out a hand to grab two glasses, and felt a hand graze his behind.
He spun around, finding a mildly drunk man staring at him. “Excuse me.” Wise said, trying to get around the man.
“Where are you going, pretty boy?” The drunk man asked, leaning toward him.
Reflectively he leaned back, the smell of alcohol heavy on the man practically breathing on him. “I’m sorry sir, but I should be getting back to my friend.” He tried to argue.
“I can be your friend.” The man said, some sick attempt at flirting with him he presumed.
“I’d have to decline sir, I keep a small circle.” He said, once again trying to step away as the man crowded him.
“Playing hard to get?” He leaned closer, Wise was almost on the table, and startled to panic.
“He said no.” A familiar voice sounded beside him. He glanced up to find Lighter glaring at the drunk man.
“Who are you?” the man said, practically spitting the words, not moving away from Wise.
“A friend.” A large hand was placed on the drunk man's shoulder. “You should back off of him.”
“What are you going to do?” The man spat out.
“Whats this?” Another voice approaching. Wise tuned to see Hugo and Lycaon on the other side.
The man started to look intimidated, three taller men surrounding him. He huffed and backed off, walking away. “Whore.” he muttered under his breath.
Lighter looked like he wanted to go after him, but Wise stopped him. “Sorry, Thank you.” He said directing it at the small group, letting out a sigh.
“Are you ok?” Lighter asked.
“Fine.” Wise reassured.
“We came over to find you to start the mission.” Hugo explained. “Too many people here think they can do whatever they want without consequences.” He huffed. Lighter nodded an agreement, glancing at Wise again.
“If you are ok Master Proxy then we should continue. Do not feel the need to pressure yourself.” Lyacon said, looking around.
“Thank you, I'm fine really, let’s get this over with.”
“Onwards then.” Hugo started. He laid out the building and where they needed to go. The host treasured his Bangboo and told it everything, so if they could get the data from it then they would have quite a foothold. Of course there was also the Laptop, a second grouping of evidence. Hugo had explained before that there was an ongoing lawsuit that could shut down the businessman's company, one involving labor laws and unlawful employment practices that he had done a good job hiding to shield from the public eye. Hugo was asked to lend a hand into the matter, and therefore, he roped Wise in as one of the few people he trusted.
First they tackled the Laptop, Wise infiltrating the office under the guise of needing to find a bathroom, an earpiece placed behind his neatly tucked hair. Hugo guided him through the mansion, until he entered the dusty room. It was dark with books lining the shelves, and baseball memorabilia along a wall. Wise was careful, placing in a flash drive like device and turning it online. He pulled the info up to a burner phone, copying over the files and different applications, every log from the owner from the past five years. It was a massive amount of data, but it was important to the people who have been wronged under the company’s name.
After a moment there was a noise outside the door, He quickly tucked himself under the desk and steadied his breath. The door opened slightly and a small figure made its way in.
“Eh-na?” Wise claimed down, sighing slightly. Just a bangboo.
He could hear it walking around the room, he glanced down at his screen, the transfer 100% complete. Wise wasn't sure how many bangboos were kept here, but if it was also in the office, it probably was close to the Host. Eventually the Bangboo circled the desk and spotted Wise.
“Eh-na Eh-na?!” It was a skarkboo, matching the description Hugo gave him. “Hey. Do you wanna see a magic trick?” Wise asked, trying a trick that always worked on his own bangboos when they were being rowdy.
The sharkboo nodded, a childlike wonder in its digital eyes. Wise held his hands over the companion's eye module. He twitched his pinkie, and pressed a sleep mode button that few people realized existed. With that it powered down. Carefully he opened the port and placed a second device in the bangboo to excerpt the data.
“Sorry little guy.” He whispered.
“How are things on your end Manager?” Hugo's voice cut through his ear.
“Good, The laptop has been copied. The Bangbo ended up finding me, I’m working on coping with its logs right now.”
“The host is currently heading to the Bathroom.” Lyacon cut through, a tinge of urgency. “It seems he's heading toward your location Master Proxy.”
Wise dragged the skarkboo under the desk with him, stilling himself, the transfer still had another ten minutes before it would be complete. And he still needed to wipe the last ten minutes from its memory.
“Ok, I’m going to hunker down. I still need some time.” He responded.
“Mr Lighter is tailing him, and will help stall him if needed.” Lyacon continued.
“Have no fear Manager, I assure you no harm will come your way.” Hugo pledged.
“I wasn't worried before, but now I am.” He laughed, quieting when he heard footsteps outside the door again. “He’s outside I think.”
“Exuse me Sir, I think I’ve got a little lost, do you know where the bathroom is?” Lighter was outside with the man. Wise stilled where he was.
“It’s down that way.” He heard the other man say, sounding gruff and annoyed.
“I’ve heard yer a fan of Baseball?” Lighter asked, trying to keep up a conversation.
“Quite actually. You as well?” He sounded less aggravated.
“A casual fan. It's been a rough season this year, especially for those Jackrabbits.” He could hear a heavy sigh from Lighter, just imagined the man crossing his arms and shaking his head.
“I have hope they’ll pull through.” Said the host.
“Me too, got to much betted on them.” the biker said with a light laugh.
“You sound like you aren't from around here?” asked the man.
“Well you’d be right sir, I grew up in the Outer Ring. A different kind of people out there.”
“I’ve heard there's been some recent commotion out that way, would you happen to know anything about it?” The man asked, the conversation flowing much easier now.
Wise looked down, the transfer was complete. He quickly unplugged the drive from the port, closing it, before doing a memory reset for the last fifteen minutes of it being awake just to be safe.
“Hugo.” He whispered. “The data transfer is complete, Lighter and the Host are outside the door, can one of you lure them away?”
“Heading that way Master Proxy.” Lyacon answered almost immediately.
“Change of Overlords out there. New gang took over.” Lighter said casually outside the door, as if he didn't know every detail of the ordeal.
“Those Sons of Champion Right?” the man questioned.
“Sons of Calyadon I believe.” Lighter corrected casually.
“You would know, wouldn't you? Red scarf.” Wise stiffened where he was, no way of knowing what was about to happen.
“Hah, surprised you recognize me.”
“You have quite the reputation.” the man mused, “I’m sure it's been earned.”
“You’d be correct.” Lighter answered, shifting on his feet.
“But I do have a question?” The man asked, the air turning almost icy. “What are you doing here?” Lighter didn't say anything. The man took it as a chance to continue, “I’ve heard the biker gangs take on missions for pay, I’m assuming you do as well.”
“Everyones tryin to get by.” Lighter explained.
“So I’m right to assume you're here for work, so tell me, who's in my office right now?” The host asked, a chill in his voice.
“Someone you shouldn't mess with.” Lighter responded, a threat clear in his throat.
“Oh, another gang member? Or someone who hired you for protection?” The man settled a hand on the knob. “I’m dying to know.”
He pressed open the door, stepping in. With a thud, he fell to the ground.
Wise was standing behind the door, a bat in hand as he let out heavy breaths. “Hey Lighter.”
“Afternoon Manger.” He smiled, glancing at the man on the ground.
“Oh my god,” Wise started with a panic, “He’s not dead right?”
Lighter crouched down to check the guy's pulse, “He's breathing, he's just out for a moment.” He picked up the man by his arms and dragged him to sit up against a wall, Wise brought the bangboo over to lay with him. “Good job, Lucy would be proud.” he teased.
“Thanks.” Wise said flatly.
Then, they heard heavy footsteps and both hid underneath the cramped desk. “Shit, shit shit.” Wise wasn't one for cursing, but the situation wasn't looking great, the door was still wide open, pouring warm light into the dark office, and the host was right there for all to see.
The footsteps stopped at the door, before coming inside the room. They new intruder crouched by the man, seemingly checking on him, before exhaling heavily.
“Master Proxy? Mr Lighter?” It was Lycaon.
Wise practically jumped from behind the desk. “Lycaon!”
“It seems the situation has resolved itself.” He smiled, looking at the two peeking from the desk. “We should get going now, Hugo has arranged the departure.”
Lighter stood up, offering a hand to pull Wise up as well. He walked over to the sharkboo, pressing the button again, “Ok it’ll wake up in ten minutes and take care of its master. It won't remember what happened.”
They walked back to the party, finding Hugo near the entrance. “Lets get out of here.” He said, leading everyone to a large black suv. Wise and LIghter slid into the backseats.
Lycaon was the designated driver, setting the course back to sixth street. Wise sent off a quick text to Belle letting her know everything was ok and that he was heading back. He sighed as he leaned back into the car cushion.
Hugo turned from the passenger seat, looking back at the two, “So success?”
“Success.” Wise answered grinning.
“I knew I could count on you.” he turned to Lighter, “Sorry for the earlier introduction, Hugo Vlad.” He held a hand out, to which Lighter took.
“Lighter Lorenz.” He responded.
“Didnt realize the Manger was into the bad boy biker type.”
“Hugo.” Lycaon chastised beside him. Lighter was confused for a moment.
Wise was gapping, flush filling his face as his eyes bore into the back of the passenger seat, “What?” Lighter asked, turning to Wise.
“Look what you started.” Lycaon grumbled.
“Im just using my eyes you big oaf, you can't stop me from making observations.” Hugo’s attention was now on the Wolf therian.
“You can ignore him,” Wise said, turning to Lighter, “He likes to start stuff.”
“I do not!” Hugo defended himself, turning back to Wise. Lycaon made a noise like a laugh, his ears giving a twitch. “And you!”
The two in the front began bickering, completely drowning out the other members of the car. “I see what you mean.” Lighter said, lowering his voice and learning over.
“I know right” Wise snickered, watching Hugo throwing his hands around.
“I'm starting to understand why Burnice and Lucy like those drama shows, it's funny.” He laughed with Wise.
Wise’s laugh fizzled out as he leaned back resting his head on Lighter. “Wow, that was horrible.”
“Agreed.” Lighter let out another puff of laughter.
“Thanks for coming with me, I don't know anyone else willing to do this. I really owe you one.”
“Let's go on a real date then.” Lighter suggested after a moment of slice between them.
“What?” Wise’s mind blanked, the suggestion coming out of nowhere.
“Um, Well since I was yer date for this party, could I be your real date another time?” He asked, shy in his reply.
“Why would you want to do that?”
“Well, I kinda like ya.” Lighter said, turning away.
Wise peered up from him at his place on the broad shoulder, “Yeah, ok, that could be arranged.” He smiled.